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The Government of Spain issued a notice addressed to citizens planning to travel to Cuba, warning them about the ongoing health and safety risks on the island.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded that each trip is undertaken under the responsibility of the traveler themselves and advised exercising heightened caution during the stay.
According to the official statement, the recommendation is not binding and does not imply any obligations on the part of the State, which will not assume responsibilities for damages or losses resulting from compliance with or disregard of the notice.
In addition, he insisted that medical, hospital, or repatriation expenses are the responsibility of the individual and reminded that Social Security benefits are not valid outside the European Union, except through the European Health Insurance Card.
In health matters, the Ministry warns of a serious epidemic currently affecting the country, with simultaneous outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, oropuche, zika, and chikungunya, the latter with more than 42 thousand cases acknowledged by the Cuban government itself.
Authorities recommend refraining from travel if individuals do not have vaccinations for chikungunya, dengue, and hepatitis A.
It is also recommended to purchase health insurance that covers all incidents, including medical evacuation.
The statement also warns about active outbreaks of hepatitis A and advises that one of the main transmission routes is contaminated water, recommending the consumption of bottled water and vaccination before traveling.
The island also has circulating respiratory viruses such as influenza, COVID-19, and the syncytial virus, which increases the risk of contagion.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that no vaccination is mandatory for entering Cuba, but it considers it advisable to have protection against hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, and dengue, as well as to consult beforehand with an international vaccination center.
It is also recommended to travel with a small personal first aid kit due to the scarcity of medications on the island, including pain relievers, generic antibiotics, antidiarrheals, and oral rehydration salts.
The note warns that, although Cuban healthcare professionals are competent, the healthcare facilities are lacking in supplies and fall short of European standards.
Spanish travelers are usually treated at the Cira García Central Clinic or the Center for Surgical Medical Investigations (CIMEQ), and they must pay for medical services in foreign currency and immediately.
Cuban authorities are preventing foreigners with outstanding healthcare debts from leaving the country.
The statement also mentions a rise in sexually transmitted diseases linked to the shortage of condoms on the island.
At the first sign of illness, it is recommended to go immediately to a medical center, especially if you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma.
The Spanish government emphasizes that travel to Cuba is undertaken at the traveler’s own risk, reminds about the importance of registering in the Travelers' Register before leaving Spain, and reiterates the need to obtain medical insurance and follow local security recommendations throughout the stay.
In the safety section, the Spanish government warns that while Cuba is a relatively safe destination, assaults on tourists are frequently reported in central areas of Havana, as well as bag thefts and personal belongings being stolen on beaches and in crowded places.
It is also advised against the practice of hitchhiking, known on the island as "coger botella," following reports of thefts targeting rental car drivers.
Authorities recommend not picking up hitchhikers and keeping personal documents in a secure place, carrying only a copy of the passport.
The recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Cuba remain in effect as of December 14, 2025, and were last updated on December 10, 2025.
The recent warning from the Spanish Government regarding health risks in Cuba adds to a growing series of alerts issued by other countries in recent weeks. Among the main concerns are outbreaks of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and hepatitis A, the deterioration of the healthcare system, and the lack of medications on the island.
The United States was one of the first to issue a health alert, warning its citizens about the spread of arboviral diseases and the risk of transmission, especially in travelers with pre-existing conditions.
Canada has also expressed its concern by recommending avoiding areas affected by the chikungunya outbreak and suggesting preventive vaccination before travel.
From Latin America, the Government of Mexico urged its citizens to travel only with international health insurance, due to limited hospital capacity and the rising number of viral cases in various Cuban provinces.
Even Russia, a traditional ally of the Cuban regime, has expressed concern. Its Ministry of Health issued a warning about the reported by local authorities and international organizations.
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